A Guide to the Local Offer on Suffolk InfoLink
The Local Offer is part of Suffolk InfoLink. It provides clear, accessible and accurate information about the services available for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The website pulls together information about education, health and care services, as well as leisure activities and support groups. Visit the “About the Local Offer” page for more information.
What makes a good service record for early years providers?
Suffolk County Council have co-produced a guidance document with the Suffolk Parent Carer Network. The guide outlines key information parents and carers want to see included in the record of an organisation or provider, so that they can easily understand whether the support would be relevant for their child.
Key areas to consider when completing the local offer section of your record:
What types of need and age ranges do you cover?
Are there any types of disabilities that you do not provide for?
What is the training and experience of the staff working in the setting?
What is your approach to personalised support and reasonable adjustments?
How accessible is the environment?
If a parent/carer has a question relating to the SEND needs of their child, who can they speak to?
We also recommend considering:
Avoid using jargon where possible – how you explain your service needs to be clear and understandable.
How easy is it to find your record? Try to you use terms or phrases in your record description to ensure it appears in a search return.
Why not add images, flyers and links to your own website or social media profile.
Providing this information and advice will demonstrate how your service meets the requirements of the Suffolk Local Offer and met the legal guidelines relating to services for children with SEND.
Guide for registering/updating records on Suffolk InfoLink – focussing on the local offer section
If you require help updating your record in the Local Offer, please email: [email protected]